All about Acupuncture!

Because of my lack of interesting eats (leftover matzo ball soup and a frozen kashi meal, same that was reviewed in this post), I thought I would talk about something else today- acupuncture! I have been getting acupuncture for about 5 or 6 weeks now to help with migraines. I was a little bit skeptical at first because I didn’t see how a bunch of needles would help with headaches and I know that it’s effectiveness is still under debate. I still don’t really understand exactly why or how it works, but I know it has been working absolute wonders (knock on wood) so I’m not going to question it.

Kidding kidding. I do have some needles up by my temples, but I have only ever had 4 needles max in my head/face. Some of you are probably thinking ‘uh 4 needles in your head sounds like a lot’, but it honestly is not at all painful, most of the needles you cannot even feel. I usually have 4 or so needles in my head, a few in each arm, a few in each leg and 1 or 2 needles in each foot. Like I said, for the most part you can’t feel the needles at all. Some just feel like a little bit of pressure but none of them ever hurt. The needles used for acupuncture are so thin that they wouldn’t cause pain.

For any of you in Chicago, I have been going to see Amadea Sarah Bell at Pure Acupuncture and I absolutely love her. Her office is really nice and very calming/relaxing and she is so nice and very easy to talk to.

I decided to give acupuncture a try sort of as a last resort because my headaches were getting really out of control. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose and if it worked I would be pleasantly surprised. Before I started going I was getting a headache almost everyday. Some were mild, some really bad but it was just not a good way to live.

Here is what I look like when I have a headache:

Ahhhhhhh

Scary, huh? Although I swear by that mask. I think it works by giving a severe brain freeze so that you don’t notice the headache anymore.

By week 4, the number of headaches I have been getting has dropped by at least 70%. For those of you who know how bad my headaches get (and how crabby I get when I have a headache), this is just such a HUGE relief. I honestly recommend that everyone give acupuncture a try. Except those of you who faint/have seizures when you see a needle (you know who you are). Acupuncture can be used for so many ailments from headaches to anxiety, insomnia, stomach aches, infertility and tons more. Also, many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment nowadays. Not mine apparently but that is another story for another day.

I’ll just give you a brief rundown of what an appointment is like. The first time, you tell your acupuncturist why you are there (duh) and also he/she will ask for a health history background. The initial appointment will be longer than any other. You basically get the needles inserted and then relax/take a nap for 20ish minutes while the needles stay in. It is actually pretty relaxing and I usually end up falling asleep. Last week, my leg keep twitching/jumping which apparently is the result of energy starting to move throughout your body. It was a strange feeling though.

Another interesting thing to me is the weird details that I would never think are relevant but they make sense and can contribute to treatment. For example, Amadea wanted to know if I worry a lot, usually sleep through the night, am hot or cold when I sleep, how often I have to pee (way way too often is my answer to that one), etc. I find it interesting that this pretty random information will help with treatment.

The reason I am telling you all of this information is because I think acupuncture is kind of looked on with skepticism and isn’t widely used. I know it is becoming more and more accepted, but I honestly would never have thought so highly of it if I hadn’t tried it for myself. If you are experiencing anything that you aren’t sure how to treat or get rid of, consider giving acupuncture a try to see if it can help you too!

Alright, I finished my green tea ginger twist (delish) at Argo Tea so it is time to go home. Oh yeah, I’m here in the first place because our internet and cable are out. Suck it Comcast.

Karen and Katie

Hi, we are Karen and Katie (mother and daughter), living in Detroit and Chicago. We both love food, fitness and healthy living and started this blog to help document and share our lives through food, recipes, exercise and more! Thanks for stopping by our corner of the blogworld! Email us at info@2peasinablog.com